South Africa score 404 runs in Rawalpindi Test Day 3:Senuran Muthusamy, Kagiso Rabada slam half-century, Babar Azam scores 49*; Pakistan lead by 23 runs

South Africa gained the upper hand on the third day of the Rawalpindi Test against Pakistan, thanks to brilliant half-centuries from Senuran Muthusamy and Kagiso Rabada that helped them build a strong lead. At stumps, Pakistan were struggling at 94 for 4 in their second innings, still trailing by 23 runs. The day belonged to South Africa, who first stretched their first innings total to 404, taking a crucial 71-run lead, before their bowlers made early inroads into Pakistan’s second innings. Simon Harmer led the charge with the ball, picking up three wickets, while Babar Azam (49*) and Mohammad Rizwan (16*) were holding Pakistan’s hopes together at the close of play. Pakistan’s debutant Asif Afridi, at the age of 38, was the standout bowler for the hosts. He took six wickets in South Africa’s innings, capping off a memorable debut performance. However, his efforts could not stop the Proteas from taking firm control of the match. Muthusamy-Rabada lead South Africa’s fightback South Africa began the day on 185 for 4 and faced early trouble when overnight batsman Tristan Stubbs fell for 76, followed soon by Kyle Verreynne (10). But Senuran Muthusamy held the innings together, showing grit and patience. Despite losing partners regularly, he found solid support from Keshav Maharaj (30) and Kagiso Rabada (71). Also read: ‘Collect Asia Cup Trophy from ACC Office’: Mohsin Naqvi slams BCCI for ‘petty politics’, wants to host presentation ceremony again in November The last two partnerships completely changed the course of the innings. Muthusamy and Maharaj added 71 runs for the ninth wicket, followed by a stunning 98-run stand between Muthusamy and Rabada for the tenth wicket. Their combined effort added 169 runs for the final two wickets, giving South Africa a commanding position in the match. Muthusamy remained unbeaten on 89 off 155 balls, hitting eight boundaries, while Rabada played a counter-attacking knock of 71 from 61 balls, which included four fours and four sixes. Also read: Mumbai Indians eye Ishan Kishan’s return ahead of IPL mini-auction: Kolkata Knight Riders, Rajasthan Royals reach out Sunrisers Hyderabad for trade deal – Report Pakistan’s second innings struggle, Babar scores 49* Pakistan’s top order once again struggled to find stability in their second innings, as early wickets pushed them on the back foot. South African spinner Simon Harmer was the chief destroyer, using his flight and turn to trouble the batters and claim three crucial wickets that kept Pakistan under pressure. Amid the collapse, Babar Azam stood firm with a composed and unbeaten 49, showing grit against a disciplined South African attack. Mohammad Rizwan provided support at the other end with 16 not out, as the pair managed to steady the innings slightly by the end of play, giving Pakistan a faint glimmer of hope heading into Day 4.